There was a higher number of reported thefts at Knightswood Shopping Centre between April 15 and August 31, 2025, compared to the same period last year.
Inspector Siobhan Paterson, of Police Scotland, brought the issue to light at a meeting of the Garscadden/Scotstounhill Area Partnership on September 2.
Inspector Paterson provided members with an updated report on crime within the ward, in the north-west of Glasgow, during the aforementioned period.
(Image: GordonTerris/Herald&Times)
Speaking at the meeting, she said: “The number of incidents reported for the ward has seen a decrease from the same period last year.
“Actual crimes recorded have marginally increased. Not all incidents reported become recorded crimes.
“There was an increase in thefts, an increase in vehicle crime, no change to assaults, a decrease in frauds, a slight increase in hate crimes, an increase in housebreakings and drugs, and a decrease in disturbances.
“There was an increase in thefts, significantly at Knightswood Shopping Centre.”
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To combat the issue, officers are said to have been holding days of action as well as undertaking plain-clothed and uniformed patrols at the centre on Anniesland Road.
Inspector Paterson stated that several alleged offenders had been arrested.
She added: “We have detected several offenders who have been arrested and released on special conditions not to go to the shopping centre or released on report.
“We’ve also had meetings with management at the Tesco store. The main issue is security. They [Tesco] used to have a permanent security guard there, but they don’t now.
“They are there three days a week, and it is a real issue that has been picked up quickly in the community.
“A couple of things are in place. We are meeting with management next week, and we will have an action plan which will run for seven weeks from mid-September.”
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Councillor Bill Butler suggested that the Area Partnership could write a letter voicing their concerns regarding security to management at the Tesco superstore.
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This was agreed by members.
Councillor Butler commented: “Would it be possible for us as the Area Partnership to write to the management, as this is causing real problems.
“They could reassess the need to have a security person there, particularly for the safety of customers and workers.
“We are concerned, and we need to make sure members of the public and workers feel safe and not under threat.
“Would that be possible?”
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Councillor Malcolm Mitchell, who chairs the Area Partnership, replied: “If members are happy, I don’t see that doing any harm.”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues is our absolute priority, and we have made significant investments to keep everyone across our business safe.
“We are also working closely with local police and the Knightswood Shopping Centre to support security measures at our Glasgow Knightswood Superstore.”